Now that it's 2023, you may feel the need to start on New Year's resolutions or rebel against them completely. The purpose of resolutions is self-growth. What's the point of self-growth if you get overwhelmed before February? The important thing is that you've made it to a new year. Congrats! Now, let's adjust those expectations for a happy and healthier year. This doesn't mean you have to throw your current plan out the window, just make it achievable. Starting out the new year with a plan gives you goals to focus on all year. Below are a few ideas to get you on the right track for an attainable improvement. None of them are permanent, and your plan can adjust monthly.
MAKE YOURSELF A PRIORITY THIS YEAR
Your happiness is your responsibility, so how do you expect to be happy if you're always people-pleasing? Start a self-care journey by living and making time for yourself. You can not pour from an empty cup so self-care should be a priority for the best results.
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Now, self-care is more than a spa day or getting a pedicure. It's about cutting off toxic relationships, maintaining meaningful relationships, and learning how to say no. It may sound selfish and it will be uncomfortable, but putting yourself first will improve your health. This will also be the perfect time to discover your purpose, and learn how to accept yourself as well as others. This will be your chance to express self-love for a more enjoyable year.
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GET ORGANIZED AT HOME & WORK
The first step to getting organized is admitting your home or workspace needs to be decluttered. It all starts with removing unnecessary items, donating them to your local Goodwill if they're gently used, and making room for an organized space. Work on one room at a time until you've been through the whole house. Click here for a more detailed list and guidance from TidyRevival.com . There's no pressure to work on the entire house, just the rooms that need it the most. If it feels overwhelming, just work on one room a month. The magical part of this new year plan is that it's yours and you make the rules.
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TRY SOMETHING NEW EVERY MONTH
Trying something new doesn't have to be scary. No one is asking you to do something against your will, just to try something you haven't tried before. It doesn't have to be speaking in front of a crowd if you're an introvert. We are more creative than that. Below is a small list to warm you up in the first few months of 2023. You could also print a more comprehensive list from The Pioneer Woman and draw a new task each month.
1. Start a gratitude journal.
2. Clean out your closet, and donate to local Goodwill
3. Start a pen pal (yes, snail mail. Postcards are short and sweet)
4. Visit a new state.
5. Start composting.
6. DIY something from Goodwill
7. Create a savings plan
8. Take a hike.
9. Start eating breakfast.
10. Donate your time to a local non-profit.
Evaluate YOUR CAREER FOR DEVELOPMENT
There are many reasons why someone would want to change jobs or just improve at their job. This year is your chance to discover new possibilities. Not only are there local career centers like Career Connections Powered by Goodwill South MS that provide workforce development at no cost to you, but there are many other resources that will support your career path. The idea is to get your foot in the door, evaluate your current skills, and find the perfect job. Below is an abbreviated list to guide you on this path.
1. Evaluate your current employment situation.
2. Assess interests, values, and skills
3. Consider alternative careers.
4. Check out job options at Career Connections.
5. Contact people in the field you're interested in.
6. Setup a job shadow
7. Test out alternate paths by volunteering.
8. Take a class or register with MyCareerAdvisor.com
9. Upgrade your skills.
10. Consider a new job in the same industry.
11. Visit TheBalance for a more detailed guide.
YOUR PURPOSE FOR THE NEXT 365 DAYS
This strategy acts as a guide for how you want your life to be in the next year. There is more than enough room for adjustment. If you find soemthing that improves your life in February or December, change the strategy. Remember, these aren't pesky resolutions. This is creating an open book for the next year.
"The best way to predict your future is to create it." Abraham Lincoln.
